What Do The Critics Say?

"It is a moody, atmospheric film, one boasting significantly more depth than your typical blow-'em-up. Things do get blown up. People get blown up. And shot. And stabbed. And splattered messily on the sidewalk. This is a violent movie. Jason Statham's 'The Mechanic' is a solidly made actioner." Mike Scott TIMES-PICAYUNE "In the quick, capable, thoroughly bloody action film "The Mechanic", Jason Statham plays Arthur Bishop, a seasoned professional who kills people for a living. Playing a tight-lipped, brutally efficient assassin is his gift, and if you have no objection to the sensation that the copious gore his characters generate threatens fly off the screen and land sloppily in your lap, this gift is yours to enjoy. " Mary F. Pols TIME MAGAZINE "Nobody delivers the action thriller goods better than Jason Statham. Statham is like a coiled spring and the audience never knows where or how he is going to strike. He likes roles where his actions speak louder than words and so in most of his films he is the strong silent type. Watching a Statham movie is like riding a bucking bronco. You have to hold on tight and go with the flow." JACKIE K COOPER "The Arthur/Steve relationship at the movie's heart is what lifts The Mechanic above the common run of kablammo! action thrillers. This compact 90 minute fantasy of vigilante justice feels fresh and satisfying." Dana Stevens SLATE "It's all a bit convoluted and preposterous, but Statham and especially Foster make a great tandem of assassins. There's no doubt director Simon West knows how to stage an action film. The dialogue is fresh and the plot features some genuine surprises. The movie doesn't pretend to be anything but what it is: a fast-moving: take no prisoners thriller." David Kaplan KAPLAN vs KAPLAN "With Jason Statham's name above the title credits, we know exactly what we are in for and Statham has effectively put his own stamp on this kind of role, just like Bruce Willis has as the reluctant hero. In this revisiting of the 1972 Charles Bronson film, heavy duty action and an assassin who loves classical music is grounded by an interesting plot comprising themes of loyalty, betrayal and revenge." Louise Keller URBAN CINEFILE

"I feel more comfortable forking over my twelve dollars for a movie by Jason Statham than I do for a movie by just about anyone else. There's a lot to like about Jason Statham, but here's what I like best: he's bald. We do not have enough bald action stars. Being an action star involves too much vanity, and too much vanity leads men to wear too much fake hair. Statham is not that sort of star. Like the men he typically plays, Statham knows exactly who he is and is comfortable with what he does. And what he does is make small but satisfying thrillersOur most dependable action star delivers once again." Matt Singer IFC.COM "Granted, this is not Oscar material, and it is very violent, but I enjoyed it for what it is: a fast-paced, shoot-em-up that's meant to help you forget the winter doldrums. do think Jason Statham is hot, so I was sort of pumped to see an action thriller right about now." Jeanne Kaplan KAPLAN vs KAPLAN "This is pulp fiction territory, where torturing people to get information is par for the course, and opening fire may summon your victim's bodyguards but never the police. If a movie where the hitman is the hero and the audience frequently gets squeamish about a particularly nasty bit of violence is your idea of a good time, The Mechanic will tune your engine. It’s sharp, fast-paced, and fully deserving of its rating." Daniel M. Kimmel NEW ENGLAND MOVIES WEEKLY "Director Simon West makes Statham and Foster sexy, sexy, ruthless killers. I want this to be Statham's next franchise. Foster sexiness vibrates through a lousy haircut, bad facial hair, and a creepy cap. Stratham is a unique star: uncompromised. And, he’s our only star who is going bald – not intentionally shaved bald, but genetically balding!" Victoria Alexander FILMS IN REVIEW "Simon West engineers "The Mechanic" with the precision of stainless steel instruments as he brings to the screen this action thriller, a genre which Hollywood does best: and biggest. It's not on the scale of a Michael Bay or Jerry Bruckheimer movie, but it's every bit as hard edged and efficient: it goes in for the kill, with little time for character exposition or sightseeing." Andrew L Urban URBAN CINEFILE

The Inside Story Bringing a new version of the 1972 genre classic "The Mechanic" (which starred Charles Bronson and Jan-Michael Vincent) to a modern day audience has been an incredibly memorable experience for producers David Winkler and William 'Bill' Chartoff, due in part to the fact that their fathers, the 1977 Oscar® winning producers Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff ("Rocky" 1976), produced the original and served as executive producers on this latest version. After spending a decade and a half developing the project, their sons goal of bringing the property back to the big screen has finally come to fruition. The Mechanic isn’t the first property they’ve worked on with ties to their fathers (they produced 2006’s Rocky Balboa), but they have always held a special affinity for this project throughout the years. "The 1972 Mechanic was essentially the first in what turned out to be an entire sub-genre: the hit man sub-genre," Bill Chartoff notes. "It was a very interesting take on a thriller and subsequently led to many other hit man films. David and I always thought screenwriter Lewis John Carlino, who also wrote "The Great Santini" and many other wonderful films, created a truly unique story, and a new kind of hero in main character Arthur Bishop." Irwin Winkler recalls, the character of Arthur Bishop was one of the primary factors for taking on the original project nearly fourty years ago. "Carlino sent over his script and Bob and I responded to it immediately. Bishop was a very original character, especially for the time: a lonely hit man who seeks human contact and companionship. He takes on an apprentice but, ultimately, that need for a fuller, more humanistic life becomes his downfall." The original film was successful, particularly in the international marketplace, it didn’t reach 'genre classic' status until years later. In the 1970s, films didn’t have the extended life after theatrical release that films have today. It was only when Cable and DVD surfaced in the following decade that The Mechanic’s exposure grew and an increased fan base emerged. "People would come up to Bob and I to say they had just discovered "The Mechanic" and wondered if we ever thought about remaking it," Irwin Winkler recalls. "We honestly were surprised by the interest because we had almost forgotten about the film in some respects." But the response was undeniable and years after filming the original, the men soon found themselves teaming up with their sons to develop what Irwin Winkler refers to as a 're-imagining' of the 1972 version." The first order of business was the script. After a few early drafts saw the story resemble more of a spy thriller, the producers re-directed the script’s focus back to the foundation of the original: the relationship between Arthur Bishop and his apprentice Steve McKenna. "It’s a classic mentor/protégé relationship, and in some ways similar to that of a father and son. A relationship wrought with layers and complications but also with a mythological and Freudian nature," Bill Chartoff notes. "This dynamic elevated the original film from other genre films of its time and to this day makes "The Mechanic" an engaging action thriller." Bishop and McKenna’s relationship would remain the core of the story but other elements would have to be updated for "The Mechanic" to be appreciated by audiences today who have different expectations for an action thriller than those of the 1970s. "Films of the '70s relied more on mood and atmosphere, " Bill Chartoff notes. "Audiences today expect a drama that is logical and motivated." Once the script started to take shape, the next step for the producers would be to find a director who could handle a character-based film loaded with action. The job of helming "The Mechanic" would go to a director who, while having never seen the original 'Mechanic' film, did have a familiarity with the action/thriller genre: Simon West. From the producers’ perspective, West was a natural fit for the project. His filmography, which includes "Con Air", "The General’s Daughter" and "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider", easily demonstrates he knows his way around an action sequence but is also great with character. "This kind of film is really Simon’s forte," notes Bill Chartoff. "The moment Simon came on board, he put a lot of time and effort into building the characters. It was very important to him that they be complex, not mere caricatures. He wanted them to be relatable with motivations that lent credence to the plot and the story." "What attracted me to the project was the premise itself," West revealed. "There have been a lot of hit man movies over the years but this one is different because the assassin makes each killing look like an accident. He doesn’t just shoot people or blow them up in a simple, obvious way. This level of intricacy makes for a far more ingenious and clever story. Arthur Bishop is great at what he does, but he isn’t ruthless, which I found very appealing." West found Bishop particularly relatable for the stage Bishop is at in his career. "Bishop is at a point in his life where he’s at the top of his game but he’s just not sure it works for him anymore. I think that’s something people can identify with." Bishop would have to be sympathetic but also have the presence of an elite, unparalleled assassin: a 'mechanic'. As William 'Bill' Chartoff notes: "there aren’t many actors today who can fill Charles Bronson’s shoes." Film fans, who society refers to as 'Baby Boomers', will remember the late Bronson for roles in 'iconic' films such as: "The Magnificent Seven", "The Great Escape", "The Dirty Dozen", "Once Upon a Time in the West", "The Stone Killer", The "Death Wish" franchise which spawned five films and, for the TV series, "Have Gun - Will Travel". Bronson was certainly popular. In fact in 1972 he tied with Sean Connery for the Golden Globe Henrietta Award for World Film Favorite Male. Finding the right actor to play the role Bronson (an 'Alzheimer' sufferer who died of pneumonia on the 30th August 2003) would be crucial. Bill Chartoff already knew the answer to that question. The man he had in mind, like director Simon West, also came from the UK. In fact, they had worked together on a previous project. "Jason Statham was the only actor I could imagine for the role," an enthusiastic Bill Chartoff stated. "If Jason hadn’t agreed to do it, I doubt the film would have been made. He really is the perfect fit for Bishop." The filmmakers were familiar with Statham’s extensive body of work from "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" to "The Bank Job", "Crank: High Voltage", the voice of Tybalt in "Gnomeo & Juliet" and everything in between. "Jason has such a charismatic quality," says Irwin Winkler. "He just generates excitement when he’s on the screen." West, who met Statham years before on another project, couldn’t agree more. "I’ve watched Jason over the years develop into this great brooding actor. He conveys a range of emotions often with just a look which is important given the fact that a 'mechanic' spends most of his time alone (though in the film that changes when Bishop agrees to mentor Steve). He’s also a very physically adept performer. He’s immensely skilled. He can and wants to do most of his own stunts. Not to mention, Jason looks like someone who could kill ten men in a room with his bare hands. So he just fit the role in every aspect." Jason Statham’s reps sent him the script. Statham had seen the original 'Mechanic' film years earlier and is a huge Charles Bronson fan. He immediately responded to the material. "The screenplay really appealed to me. I thought it was very smart. I’m always looking to make a grown up action movie and this script definitely fit that bill." Once the role of Bishop was cast, it was essential to find the right actor to play Steve McKenna (played by Jan Michael Vincent in the original film). The actor tapped for the role would have to be, not only convincing as an up and coming hired assassin, but he would also need huge acting chops to play the character’s traumatic emotional arc. West knew just the right actor for the role. "The idea of Ben Foster as Steve McKenna came to me right away. He’s a supreme actor. He has levels to his acting that are 'Brandoesque' just ready to erupt." The casting of Statham and Foster worked both on screen and off. As Bill Chartoff notes, "when the two actors are on-screen together you just can’t take your eyes off them." West attributes their chemistry to their commonalities despite their personal differences. "They have very different personalities but they do overlap in a lot of ways. They both have the same passion for realism; character realism and visual realism. I could have cast people who were similar but I think it would have been bland. They come from very different backgrounds, different countries and upbringings, but they work well together as actors. Because they are opposites of sorts, there are great sparks between them." Statham ("The Transporter") was impressed by Foster’s talent and work ethic. "He’s just a riveting actor with great energy. He does his homework and he’s full of great ideas. He also really pushed himself beyond the call of duty for the role. Some of the stunts we were doing were very scary at the best of times, even for someone like myself who does stunts for a living." When asked about Statham, Foster comments on how gifted he is, not just athletically, but given his range as an actor. "Jason is very funny. We had a lot of laughs. I was a fan of his before we met: his performances in "The Bank Job", 'Lock Stock', and the 'Crank' films. He’s an extremely gifted guy and does some fine, subtle work in this film." The two leads are complimented by a small but very strong supporting cast led by legendary actor Donald Sutherland in the role of Bishop’s friend and mentor, and Steve’s father, Harry McKenna (played by the late Keenan Wynn in the original). Though the character is only on screen a short time, Harry is a very important character to the story. The filmmakers were thrilled when two time Golden Globe winner Sutherland signed on to play the part. "Donald is just so skillful," Chartoff notes. "On set, we were really watching a master at work. He was a joy to have around. He really took the role of Harry McKenna in a very warm and fascinating direction." For Sutherland, The Mechanic was a chance to work once again with a few old colleagues, and with a director whose work he admired. “I worked with Irwin and Bob over fourty years ago (on 1968’s "The Split" and 1974’s "S*P*Y*S") and I did "The Italian Job" with Jason. The opportunity to work with them again, and to work with Simon, attracted me to the project." Every great action thriller has a gripping villain and The Mechanic is no exception. Dean Sanderson, played by veteran actor Tony Goldwyn ("The Last Samurai"), runs the organization that Bishop and Harry McKenna have loyally served for many years. Unlike many action films, the stars made it a point to do many of their own stunts, under the eye of Stunt Coordinator Noon Orsatti, whose father and uncle worked in stunts on the original Mechanic. What's It All About?

Arthur is a 'mechanic': an elite assassin with a strict code and distinctly unique talent for cleanly eliminating targets. It is a job that requires professional perfection and total detachment, and Bishop is easily the best in the business. But when his mentor and close friend Harry is murdered, Bishop is anything but detached. His next assignment is self-imposed: he wants those who set-up the hit, dead. His mission grows complicated when Harry's, troubled son Steve approaches him with the same vengeful goal and a determination to learn everything about Bishop's trade. Bishop has always acted alone but he can't turn his back on Harry's son. A methodical hit man takes an impulsive student deep into his world and a deadly mentorship is born. But while in pursuit of their ultimate mark, deceptions threaten to surface and those hired to fix the problems will soon become the problem themselves.

The Verdict "There's something very special about an actor who, despite playing vicious, willing to kill at the drop of a hat characters, can make an audience put all the blood and guts aside and leave them feeling as though he would make the ideal dinner guest. And, I'm sure there are plenty of ladies who wouldn't hesitate for a moment (if the opportunity arose) to hop into bed with the handsomely rugged, pattern-balding star of "The Mechanic", Jason Statham. I remember what Bert Newton said at the 1979 Logie Awards to co-presenter and three-time World Heavyweight Champion, Muhammad Ali: "I like the boy!" The great Ali played it up to a suddenly, very nervous Bert, who thought 'the champ' had misheard him. Bert genuinely liked the great man but didn't realize the inference the term 'boy' conveyed to an African-American. So please don't mis-interpret the fact that when it comes to Statham: "I like the boy!" I also liked the late Henrietta Award winner Steve McQueen, Oscar winner Rod Stieger ("In The Heat Of The Night") and Henrietta Award winner Charlse Bronson. I'm also a huge fan of living legend Oscar winners Clint Eastwood (Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award), Bob De Niro ("Raging Bull") and the wonderful Sydney Poitier ("Lilies of the Field"), all of whom I am sure, any one of us would love to engage in conversation, over dinner. All of the afore mentioned had great screen presence. That's what Statham has. He's sort of a, 'Bad Boy' James Bond. In this reworking of the 1972 classic Charles Bronson film, "The Mechanic", Statham is once again, someone you don't want to double-cross. It's a solid actioner with plenty of kills, explosions and gunfire. To use an old saying, the action 'is on for young and old', from start to finish. Statham plays the same character as Bronson did in the original: Arthur, a loner who suddenly finds himself with an apprentice Steve, the son of his last assignment. Played by Ben Foster, the two work well together and certainly come across as buddies. Tony Goldwyn plays the 'bad' guy while Donald Sutherland plays Arthur's mentor. Explosive fun! 4 1/2 STARS." Who's Playing Who?

Jason Statham Ben Foster Tony Goldwyn Donald Sutherland Jeff Chase Mini Anden James Logan Eddie Fernandez Joshua Bridgewater John McConnell Christa Campbell Mark Anthony Nutter Lara Grice Ada Loridans Lance Nichols J.D. Evermore Linnzi Zaorski John Teague David Leitch

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Arthur Steve Dean Harry Burke Sarah Jorge Lara Lara's Guard Car Jacker Vaughn Kelly Mr Finch Mrs Finch Finch's Daughter Henry Gun Runner Jazz Club Singer Ney Sebastian

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